#BeActive-EU-SPORT-AWARDS - Across generations

This EU prize under Erasmus+ (BeActive EU Sport Awards, Across generations) recognises implemented sport activities that foster inter-generational connections, inclusion and community strengthening. Eligible applicants are legal entities established in EU Member States, OCTs, EEA countries or Erasmus+ associated countries; individuals are not eligible for this category. The prize pool for the category is €25,000 (winner €15,000; two finalists €5,000 each), applications must be submitted online via the Funding & Tenders Portal (Part B max 20 pages) by 17 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Applications are evaluated on Relevance (max 40), Quality (max 20) and Impact (max 40) with a minimum overall score of 60 required.

What it funds

Scope summary

Prize recognising organisations that use sport to foster intergenerational connections, increase access to sport and physical activity for all ages, strengthen community cohesion and consider the interests of future generations.

Who can apply:Legal entities (public or private bodies, including international organisations) established in eligible Erasmus+ countries; individuals are only eligible in the Volunteering category. Applicants must register in the Participant Register (PIC) and submit electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

1. 1Type of action: ERASMUS Prizes (call for a prize)
2. 2Submission: single-stage, online via the Funding & Tenders Portal
3. 3Project status: activities must have been implemented with tangible results at time of application

Deadlines and timetable:Call opens 30 June 2026. Submission deadline 17 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time. Evaluation Sept 2026–Mar 2027; results in March 2027.

Budget and awards

Total prize budget €125 000 across five categories; in each category one winner receives €15 000 and two finalists €5 000 each.

Applications must follow the call Rules of Contest, use the Submission System templates (Part A and Part B), respect page limits and provide required annexes. Communications obligations and visibility rules apply to winners.

Apply and find full call documentation on the Portal topic page Call topic page. For help contact EACEA-SPORT@ec.europa.eu ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Call documentation and Rules of Contest available on the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page and in the call fiche PDF linked there.

Summary description

This is an EU prize call launched under the Erasmus+ programme (2021-2027) and managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). The category Across generations recognises sport activities implemented by organisations that promote inter-generational sport and physical activity and contribute to strengthening communities. The category rewards initiatives that make sport accessible to all generations, foster inter-generational connections and inclusion, consider the interests of future generations, and demonstrate tangible results at the time of application. The call is part of the wider #BeActive EU Sport Awards covering five categories: Physical activity, Inclusion, Volunteering, Across generations and Peace.

Call and administrative identifiers:Call: ERASMUS-SPORT-2026-EU-AWARDS; Topic: ERASMUS-SPORT. Type of action: ERASMUS Prizes (EU prize / contest). Managed by: EACEA. Publication date: 25 June 2026. Call opening date: 30 June 2026. Submission deadline: 17 September 2026, 17:00 Brussels time.

Detailed eligibility and participation rules

Eligible applicants must be legal entities (private or public bodies, including international organisations). For the Volunteering category only, individuals (natural persons older than 18) may be awarded the prize but applicants remain generally legal entities. Entities without legal personality may exceptionally participate if legally represented and providing equivalent guarantees. Applicants must be established in eligible countries: EU Member States (including OCTs) and non-EU countries that are EEA or Erasmus+ associated countries or countries with ongoing negotiations for association that come into force before the award decision. Applicants must register in the Participant Register (obtain a PIC) before the call deadline and pass Central Validation Service checks.

Eligible activities and project stage:Eligible activities are implemented sport activities with tangible results already achieved at the time of application. Projects still in development or not yet implemented are not eligible. Activities can be local, regional, national or transnational but must concern the eligible countries. The expected maturity is demonstrated implementation, i.e. development -> implementation with measurable results, suitable for recognition and dissemination.

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: legal entities including non-profit organisations, sport clubs, sport federations, public bodies, educational establishments, research institutions and international organisations. Individuals are only eligible as recipients for the Volunteering category; they are not the standard applicant type.
2. 2Funding Type: prize (award) under EU Prizes (no grant contract as in large projects). The mechanism is an EU prize/award (ERASMUS Prizes).
3. 3Consortium Requirement: single application by an applicant; joint applications by a group of applicants are allowed but must appoint a lead applicant (coordinator). The contest does not require a consortium by default.
4. 4Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): organisations established in EU Member States (including OCTs) and non-EU countries associated to Erasmus+ or in negotiations for association (EEA/associated countries). Activities must take place in eligible countries.
5. 5Target Sector: sport and physical activity (cross-cutting with health, inclusion, education, community development, volunteering and social cohesion).
6. 6Mentioned Countries: No specific countries listed individually in the topic text. Regionally the eligibility is EU Member States and associated Erasmus+ countries (EEA and other associated countries as defined in Erasmus+ Eligible countries).
7. 7Project Stage: implemented activities with tangible results (research and development not eligible unless already implemented and producing results).
8. 8Funding Amount: prize pool €125,000 for the whole #BeActive EU Sport Awards call. For each of the five categories: one winner €15,000 and two finalists (2nd and 3rd) €5,000 each. The Across generations category therefore has a prize allocation: €25,000 (€15,000 + 2 x €5,000).
9. 9Application Type: open single-stage call for a prize. Applications must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System (online only).
10. 10Nature of Support: monetary prize payments to winners and finalists plus non-monetary support in the form of visibility, dissemination at the award ceremony and communication obligations. Payments are made after the award ceremony upon submission of requested documents.
11. 11Application Stages: 2 main selection steps — pre-selection to shortlist up to the 6 best applications in the category, followed by jury evaluation and ranking leading to winner and two finalists. Administrative checks (legal entity validation, exclusion checks, ethics review, etc.) follow evaluation.
12. 12Success Rates: not explicitly provided. Pre-selection shortlists up to 6 applications per category; final winners are 3 per category (1 winner + 2 finalists). Theoretical selection ratio depends on number of applications; for example if 60 applications are received, pre-selection selects 6 (10%) then 3 winners (5%). No official success rate is published.
13. 13Co-funding Requirement: none. Prize awards do not require co-funding; applicants do not need to provide matching funds to receive the prize. However applicants are responsible for the activities and any related costs incurred previously.
14. 14Templates: Application is submitted in three parts: Part A (online administrative information); Part B (technical description — mandatory Word template to download from the Submission System, completed and uploaded as PDF; Part B limited to 20 pages); Annexes (optional communication material up to 10 pages). The Submission System provides the Part B template and requires uploads to the correct sections. Page limits are strictly enforced; excess pages will be disregarded.

Evaluation, award criteria and scoring

1. 1Selection and evaluation process: Pre-selection panel will select up to 6 applications per category. A jury of recognised sport and physical activity experts evaluates applications against award criteria. Mandatory checks (ethics, legal entity validation, exclusion, double funding) are performed prior to awarding.
2. 2Award criteria and thresholds: Relevance (max 40 points; minimum 20), Quality (max 20; minimum 10), Impact (max 40; minimum 20). Overall pass score: 60/100. Applications must pass individual thresholds and the overall threshold to be awarded. In case of tie (ex aequo) priority is given to higher Impact score then Relevance.
3. 3What to demonstrate under criteria: Relevance must show alignment with the category Across generations (promotion of inter-generational connections, accessibility across generations, inclusion and EU shared values). Quality must describe the activities, schedule, frequency, participant types, accessibility and innovation. Impact must provide qualitative and quantitative evidence of benefits to participants and communities, sustainability, replicability, and communication/dissemination activities.

Admissibility and submission requirements

1. 1Submission method: Electronic submission only via the Funding & Tenders Portal Electronic Submission System accessible on the topic page. Paper submissions are not accepted.
2. 2Required documents: Part A (online administrative form), Part B (technical description using the Portal template; max 20 pages), Annexes (optional communication material up to 10 pages; PDF). Additional administrative documents may be requested later for legal validation, bank account validation, declaration on honour, or ethics.
3. 3Formatting and language: Use the Part B template from the Submission System. Applications must be readable, accessible and printable. Applications may be submitted in any official EU language but English is recommended for efficiency. The call documentation can be requested in another EU language within 10 days after publication if needed.

Other legal, ethical and contractual conditions

1. 1Exclusion grounds: applicants subject to EU exclusion decisions or in listing situations (bankruptcy, serious professional misconduct, fraud, breaches of social security or tax obligations, money laundering, terrorism financing, grave professional misconduct, or other listed grounds) cannot participate.
2. 2EU restrictive and conditionality measures: entities subject to EU restrictive measures or conditionality measures (e.g. certain entities linked to Hungarian public interest trusts if measures apply) are ineligible.
3. 3Ethics and values: activities must comply with international, EU and national law and with EU values (human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law, human rights).
4. 4Communications obligations: winners and finalists must promote the prize and acknowledge EU support. The European emblem must be displayed where required and a disclaimer text used in communications. The awarding authority and Commission may use non-sensitive information and media materials for dissemination purposes.
5. 5Checks and audits: the awarding authority, Commission, OLAF, EPPO and ECA may carry out checks, audits and investigations. The awarding authority may withdraw prize payments if fraud, false information or breach of obligations is found.

Budget and payment details:Total prize budget €125,000 for the five categories. Per category allocation: €25,000 (winner €15,000; two finalists €5,000 each). Payment to winners and finalists is made after the award ceremony subject to submission of required documents. In case of group winners, payment goes to the lead applicant.

Support and contact

For help related to this call contact:EACEA-SPORT@ec.europa.eu. For technical submission issues contact the IT Helpdesk. Consult the Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual and the Call Document (Rules of Contest) for full procedural details and templates. The Submission System contains the Part B template required for upload and the Electronic Submission Service entry point Funding & Tenders Portal topic page.

Important practical advice

1. 1Register early in the Participant Register and obtain PIC before the deadline; validation can take time.
2. 2Prepare Part B using the exact template from the Submission System and respect the 20 page limit; excess pages will be disregarded.
3. 3Upload annexes and supporting evidence in the correct upload fields; incomplete or misfiled uploads can render the application inadmissible.
4. 4Do not rely on last-minute submission; technical problems near deadlines are at applicant risk and deadlines are final.
5. 5Be transparent about any use of generative AI tools in proposal preparation and verify/cite sources as required by the call guidance.

Templates and application form structure (what to expect in the Submission System)

1. 1Part A (online): administrative data and legal identification (organisation name, address, PIC, legal representative, contact details, bank/account information may be requested later).
2. 2Part B (mandatory template): technical description covering project title, summary, context and objectives, detailed description of activities implemented, target groups and participant numbers, evidence of tangible results achieved, methodology and innovative aspects, timeline and frequency, accessibility measures, monitoring and evaluation metrics, communication and dissemination plans, sustainability and replicability plans, alignment with EU values, and explanations addressing the award criteria Relevance, Quality and Impact. Part B must not exceed 20 pages when converted to PDF and uploaded.
3. 3Annexes (optional): communication materials, photos, videos, press clippings, beneficiary testimonials, measurable indicators and data supporting reported impact (upload as PDF, up to 10 pages).

How the award results will be used and publicised

Winners and finalists will be announced and showcased at an award ceremony and through EACEA and Commission communication channels. Prize winners and finalists are required to give visibility to EU support in their communications and allow use of non-sensitive media materials by the awarding authority. Registered information on winners (name, address, amount awarded) will be published annually on the Europa website unless a justified request for non-disclosure is accepted.

Mentioned reference documents and legal framework:Erasmus+ Work Programme 2026, Erasmus+ Regulation 2021/817, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Call Document (Rules of Contest) and the Call fiche. Full call documentation is available on the topic page and includes the mandatory Part B template in the Submission System Call document (Rules of Contest). ¹

Long summary — What is this opportunity about and how to explain it

This opportunity is an open EU prize competition under the Erasmus+ programme that seeks to recognise, reward and publicise practical, implemented sport initiatives that foster inter-generational connections and strengthen communities through sport. It is not a typical grant for future activities: eligible submissions must describe activities that have already been implemented and that demonstrate tangible results. The competition is monetary and reputational: winners receive prize money (Across generations category: €15,000 for the winner and €5,000 each for two finalists) and visibility via EU dissemination channels and an award ceremony. Eligible applicants are legal entities established in the EU or Erasmus+ associated countries; joint applications are possible but a lead applicant must be appointed. Submissions are made online using the Funding & Tenders Portal forms: an online Part A for administrative data, a Part B technical description (strictly limited to 20 pages) using the template provided in the Submission System, and optional annexes (communication material up to 10 pages). Applications are evaluated first by a pre-selection panel (shortlisting up to 6 per category) and then by a jury against three award criteria — Relevance, Quality and Impact — with individual and overall score thresholds. The process includes mandatory checks (legal entity validation, ethics, exclusion and double funding checks). Winners and finalists must comply with EU communication and visibility rules and accept audits and checks by EU bodies. The call documentation and templates are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal and applicants should consult the Rules of Contest and Online Manual carefully before preparing and submitting their application. For assistance contact EACEA-SPORT@ec.europa.eu and use the Portal IT Helpdesk for technical issues.

Footnotes

1. 1Full Rules of Contest and call fiche available at the Erasmus+ call documentation page: ec.europa.eu

What This Award Recognizes

This award recognizes sport activities implemented by organizations working with sport across generations to strengthen communities. It highlights initiatives that promote inter-generational connections, provide easier access to sport for all generations, and consider the interests of future generations ¹.

Who Should Apply

Eligible applicants are legal entities (private or public bodies, including international organizations) established in EU Member States, OCTs, EEA countries, or Erasmus+ associated countries. Individuals are not eligible for this category, unlike the Volunteering category ².

Prize Amounts:One winner receives €15,000, and two finalists (ranked 2nd and 3rd) receive €5,000 each in this category. The total budget for all five categories is €125,000 ³.

1. 1Activities must have tangible results at the time of application (no development-phase projects)
2. 2Initiatives must bring people of all ages together through sport
3. 3Projects should foster inclusion and long-term community development
4. 4Activities must comply with EU values and ethical standards

Evaluation Criteria:Applications are scored on Relevance (max 40 points, min 20), Quality (max 20 points, min 10), and Impact (max 40 points, min 20). A minimum overall score of 60 points is required to win ⁴.

Joint applications are permitted with a lead applicant appointed. The prize money is paid after the award ceremony upon submission of all required documents. Winners must acknowledge EU support and display the European flag in all communication activities ⁵.

For non-IT questions, contact eacea-sport@ec.europa.eu. For IT help, use the Portal IT Helpdesk. Applications must be submitted before the deadline; no extensions are granted ⁶.

Footnotes

1. 1Official call documentation: Rules of Contest
2. 2Eligibility details from Section 6 of the Rules of Contest: Eligible Participants
3. 3Budget allocation per Section 3: Available Budget
4. 4Award criteria and scoring thresholds from Section 9: Evaluation Criteria
5. 5Communication and visibility obligations from Section 10: Visibility Requirements
6. 6Contact information from Section 12: Helpdesk Contact